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Key Points

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is arranging a final summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung later this month. The planned visit comes just as Ishiba announced his resignation amid a domestic political crisis within his party. This follows the ruling coalition's significant defeat in recent Upper House elections where they lost their majority. Ishiba expressed emotional determination to pass leadership to the next generation despite previously resisting resignation calls.

Key Points: Outgoing PM Ishiba Plans South Korea Summit Before Resignation

  • Ishiba planning two-day South Korea visit starting September 30
  • Summit part of regular reciprocal visits between leaders
  • Follows August meeting discussing bilateral ties strengthening
  • Comes amid domestic political crisis and resignation pressure
  • LDP-Komeito coalition lost majority in Upper House elections
  • Resignation announced before scheduled presidential election
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Outgoing Japanese PM Ishiba considering visiting South Korea later this month

Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba arranges final summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung amid domestic political crisis and resignation announcement.

"I would like to pass the baton to the next generation. - Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba"

Tokyo, Sep 12

Outgoing Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is planning to visit South Korea later this month for a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung before stepping down, Japanese media reported Friday.

Fuji News Network reported that Prime Minister Ishiba is arranging a two-day visit to South Korea starting Sept. 30 to hold talks with President Lee in a regional city, citing multiple government officials.

His envisioned trip will be part of the "regular reciprocal visits" by the two countries' leaders, according to Kyodo News.

Lee and Ishiba last met in August, when they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties through "shuttle diplomacy."

On Sunday, Ishiba announced his resignation amid a domestic political crisis. Japan is set to elect a new prime minister in early October, Yonhap News Agency reported.

During a televised press conference on September 7, Ishiba said, "I have decided to resign from my position as president of the Liberal Democratic Party."

"I have told Secretary-General Moriyama to carry out the procedures for a presidential election... I would like him to begin the process of selecting a new president," he added.

Ishiba assumed office last October and has been resisting the calls to resign for weeks now.

His resignation was announced one day before the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) was scheduled to decide on holding an early presidential election.

This decision followed a significant defeat in the recent Upper House elections, which resulted in the LDP-Komeito coalition losing its majority, according to the nation's leading daily, The Japan Times.

Until recently, Ishiba had been determined to remain in office and tackle pressing issues, particularly in the economic sphere.

Calls for his resignation, however, had increased within the party, with senior members urging him to resign before the leadership vote to avoid worsening divisions.

"With Japan having signed the trade agreement and the president having signed the executive order, we have passed a key hurdle," Ishiba said, his voice faltering with emotion. "I would like to pass the baton to the next generation."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's good to see leaders maintaining diplomatic relations even during political transitions. Shows maturity in governance. India could learn from this approach when dealing with our neighbors.
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Aman W
Why is outgoing PM making foreign visits? Shouldn't he focus on smooth transition? Seems like he's trying to secure his legacy rather than serve national interest. Not a good precedent.
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Sarah B
Japan-South Korea relations affect global supply chains and technology partnerships. As someone working in IT sector, I hope their cooperation strengthens - good for regional stability and business.
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Vikram M
Shuttle diplomacy between Japan and Korea is crucial for countering Chinese influence in the region. Stronger Japan-Korea ties indirectly benefit India's strategic position. Good move!
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Nisha Z
Hope they discuss North Korea situation too. Regional security affects all of Asia. India has stakes in peaceful resolution of Korean peninsula issues. 🙏

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